India Launches 'Operation Brahma' to Aid Myanmar Earthquake Victims

In response to a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, India has initiated 'Operation Brahma' to provide crucial humanitarian aid. As of April 6, the death toll has reached over 3,400 people, with thousands more injured and still missing, according to Xinhua News Agency. The Indian Army has established a field hospital in Myanmar, which has treated 800 patients thus far. The Indian embassy in Myanmar reported that the hospital has received high acclaim from local authorities, including a visit from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. As part of this operation, the Indian Air Force has delivered significant supplies, including 31 tonnes of food and medical aid via a C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Furthermore, on April 5, 442 tonnes of food aid were transported to the disaster zone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences and reiterated India's commitment to supporting Myanmar during this crisis, emphasizing collaborative rescue efforts among international partners, including Australia, Japan, and the United States.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, resulting in over 1,700 confirmed deaths and more than 3,400 injuries, according to the country’s ruling junta (AFP). The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction including the collapse of buildings and infrastructure, notably the control tower at Naypyidaw airport, which has entirely cut off access for many regions. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by damaged roads, destroyed bridges, and the ongoing civil war, complicating logistics for foreign aid. Early assistance has come in from countries like India and China; India deployed military aircraft with a field hospital while China sent 135 rescuers and millions in emergency relief. However, many local residents are conducting search efforts with minimal equipment, facing extreme heat of up to 41 degrees Celsius (approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit) while recovering bodies from the wreckage (AP). The United Nations has issued appeals for over $100 million in aid, underscoring that the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the civil conflict has left the country ill-prepared for such disasters (AFP).

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit near Mandalay in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, resulting in catastrophic destruction and a rising death toll. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that fatalities could be as high as 100,000. The official count from Myanmar's military-led government reported over 1,000 confirmed deaths and more than 2,376 injuries as of Saturday morning. The earthquake's shockwaves were felt across neighboring Thailand, exacerbating the situation. Following the disaster, Myanmar declared a state of emergency in the six regions most severely affected. Reports from local officials indicate widespread devastation, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Eyewitness accounts describe collapsed buildings and infrastructure, further indicating the scale of the disaster. As the situation continues to unfold, emergency services and humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to respond to the crisis. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain cautious while rescue operations are underway.